Newcastle Laboratories

Treponemal Antibody Test (Syphilis)

Clinical Background:

This test is used to diagnose infection with Syphilis (Treponema pallidum). A positive test must be confirmed by a further panel of tests and supporting patient history. It is important in pregnanc...

This test is used to diagnose infection with Syphilis (Treponema pallidum). A positive test must be confirmed by a further panel of tests and supporting patient history. It is important in pregnancy because of the risks to the developing foetus.

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Test Details

  • Discipline:

    Microbiology

    Microbiology

  • Specimen Container Adult:

    Clotted blood - Gold SST

    Clotted blood - Gold SST

  • Specimen Container Paediatric:

    Clotted blood

    Clotted blood

  • Minimum Volume Adult:

    5 ml

    5 ml

  • Minimum Volume Paediatric:

    1 ml

    1 ml

  • Special Requirement:

    Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C. Date of symptom onset is required for interpretation of results.

    Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C. Date of symptom onset is required for interpretation of results.

  • Sample Stability:

    Stable for up to 24 hours

    Stable for up to 24 hours

  • Transport Requirements:

    Standard

    Standard

  • Add On Test:

    Possible up to 5 days

    Possible up to 5 days

  • Quality Assurance:

    UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme (UKNEQAS)

    UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme (UKNEQAS)

  • Interpretation:

    Test may be negative up to 6 weeks from infection.
    Test may be negative up to 6 weeks from infection.
  • Reference Ranges:

    None available
    None available
  • Factors Affecting Result:

    If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C

    If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C

Availability:

Performed daily using random access systems. Can be processed outside core hours if sanctioned by the on-call virologist.

Turn Around:

3 days

Send To:

Department of Microbiology

Freeman Hospital
Freeman Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE7 7DN

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